New Exhibition at Peterborough Museum and Archives to Showcase F.L. Roy’s Cinematic Legacy This Saturday

A new temporary exhibition, ‘Films from the Freezer: Preserving F.L. Roy’s Cinematic Legacy,’ opens at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

‘Films from the Freezer’ depicts a collection of historically significant films made by local photographer and filmmaker Fred L. Roy that were damaged during Peterborough’s 2004 flood. The exhibition explores Roy’s life and work, while highlighting the innovative project that helped restore and preserve these films for future generations. 

A selection of Roy’s films is being shown publicly for the first time in 75 years. Through photographs, archival materials, film and stories, the exhibition offers a unique look at Peterborough’s history and the work of a local filmmaker who captured moments of the community on camera. 

This temporary exhibition will be on display until Nov. 1. The public is encouraged to visit the PMA and experience Roy’s cinematic legacy firsthand. 

“Preserving these films means preserving stories, places and moments from Peterborough’s past,” says Jon Oldham, Archivist of the Peterborough Museum & Archives. “This exhibition gives visitors a rare chance to see Fred L. Roy’s cinematic work while learning about the important preservation efforts that made it possible to share these films again.” 

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Jay Baruchel Playing Ken Carter in New Movie About the Daredevil Who Died During a Stunt in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A new Canadian movie about legendary stuntman Ken Carter is coming to theatres this month. For many in Peterborough, Carter is a name they may remember for a very different reason.

Ken Carter, known as “The Mad Canadian,” became famous for his daring car stunts before his final jump ended in tragedy in Peterborough in 1983. (photo via facebook @themadcanadian)

If you have never heard of Ken Carter, you may soon.

The Canadian stuntman known as “The Mad Canadian” is the subject of The Stunt Driver, a new feature film starring Jay Baruchel as Carter and directed by Michael Dowse. The movie hits Canadian theatres on September 25th, telling the story of Carter’s remarkable and often dangerous career, including his ambitious attempt to launch a rocket-powered car across the St. Lawrence River.

The film also made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, with Baruchel appearing at the festival to promote the movie.

But while much of Carter’s story played out elsewhere, his final stunt happened in Peterborough.

And it ended his life.

Carter made a name for himself performing increasingly dangerous car jumps. His most ambitious project was an attempt to jump more than a mile across the St. Lawrence River in a rocket-powered Lincoln Continental, a feat documented in the 1981 National Film Board documentary The Devil at Your Heels.

Jay Baruchel stars as legendary Canadian stuntman Ken Carter in The Stunt Driver, which arrives in Canadian theatres on September 25th. (photo via mongrel media)

The new movie is inspired by that larger story, following Carter’s determination to pull off the seemingly impossible jump and the people who became part of his pursuit. Baruchel plays Carter, with Ed Helms and Ben Foster also among the cast.

But after years of high-profile stunts, Carter eventually brought his rocket-powered car to Peterborough.

At the time, Westgate Speedway was the name of the track that now operates as Peterborough Speedway. The facility opened in 1967 and has been part of the local motorsports scene for decades.

On July 1st, 1983, Carter attempted to jump a pond at the track.

The first attempt went badly, with the car ending up in the water. Carter survived and vowed to try the jump again.

He returned to Peterborough later that summer.

On September 5th, 1983, Carter climbed behind the wheel of a rocket-powered Pontiac Firebird for another attempt.

This time, the stakes were even higher. Carter was attempting to break his own ramp-to-ramp world record of 186 feet, with the vehicle expected to clear the span between the ramps.

The jump went horribly wrong.

Contemporary reports said the rocket-powered car overshot the landing ramp by almost 100 feet before crashing.

A crowd of about 2,500 people was at Westgate Speedway that night, according to a newspaper report from the time.

Carter, 45, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at Peterborough Civic Hospital.

It was the final stunt for a man who had built his reputation around pushing the limits of what a car could do.

More than four decades later, Carter’s story is returning to the big screen.

Jay Baruchel portrays legendary Canadian stuntman Ken Carter in The Stunt Driver, a film exploring Carter’s dangerous career and his ambitious attempt to launch a rocket-powered car across the St. Lawrence River. (photo via mongrel media)

The Stunt Driver is not a movie about Peterborough, and the film’s main story focuses on Carter’s pursuit of the much larger St. Lawrence River jump. But for those who remember the name Ken Carter, the movie may bring back memories of a very different chapter of his life that played out here.

Carter’s final stunt took place at a Peterborough-area racetrack in 1983, ending the life of a Canadian daredevil who had spent years chasing increasingly ambitious jumps.

Now, a new generation will get to know “The Mad Canadian” when The Stunt Driver arrives in Canadian theatres on September 25th.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Two Original Degrassi Stars Are Coming to Peterborough for a Special Screening

By Scott Arnold

For anyone who grew up watching Degrassi, Joey Jeremiah and Caitlin Ryan are two names that are hard to forget, and both are coming to Peterborough this fall.

Pat Mastroianni and Stacie Mistysyn, who played Joey Jeremiah and Caitlin Ryan in the original Degrassi franchise, will be in Peterborough for a special screening of Degrassi: School’s Out and a Q&A with fans. (photo via imdb)

Pat Mastroianni, who played Joey Jeremiah, and Stacie Mistysyn, who played Caitlin Ryan, two stars of the original Degrassi High, will be in Peterborough on Saturday, October 3rd for a special screening of Degrassi: School’s Out.

The 1992 film served as the finale to Degrassi High, continuing the stories of the teenagers viewers had followed through the popular Canadian television series. More than three decades later, fans will have the chance to watch the movie on the big screen and then hear from two of its original stars.

There is also a Peterborough connection to the Degrassi story that goes beyond this event. Series co-creator Linda Schuyler is an honorary alumna of Trent University, where her work has been incorporated into the curriculum. She has also spent time in the Peterborough area through guest lectures and her work as a Media Educator in Residence at Trent’s School of Education. Her husband, television producer and entertainment lawyer Stephen Stohn, was also a producer on Degrassi and is a Trent alumnus who served as the university’s Chancellor.

The screening and Q&A will take place at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School, with doors opening at 6:00pm. The movie begins at 6:30pm, followed by a Q&A with Mastroianni and Mistysyn.

Original Degrassi High stars Pat Mastroianni and Stacie Mistysyn are bringing a piece of Canadian television history to Peterborough, with fans getting the chance to see them in person next month in peterborough (photo via schoolsbacktour)

Mastroianni’s Joey Jeremiah became one of the most recognizable characters in the original Degrassi franchise, while Mistysyn played Caitlin Ryan, another central character whose story continued throughout the series. The pair were an on-and-off couple throughout the series.

For longtime fans, having both actors in Peterborough makes this more than just a movie screening. It is a chance to revisit a piece of Canadian television history with two of the people who were there when it all began.

With the movie, the memories and Joey Jeremiah and Caitlin Ryan themselves all coming together in one room, it should be a pretty special night for anyone who grew up with Degrassi.

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A post shared by Degrassi: School's Out Tour with Pat & Stacie (Joey & Caitlin) (@schoolsbacktour)

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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PHOTOS: AON Inc.'s Long-Term Care Home Station Place's Celebrates One Year In Havelock

AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care has hit its first milestone, celebrating its one-year anniversary in Havelock on Tuesday morning.

AON Inc. staff and dignitaries were on hand to help celebrate and commemorate Station Place's first anniversary. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

AON Inc. staff and Jim Martin, Havelock Mayor, spoke at the event to commemorate the home’s anniversary.

“This (Station Place) is a result of when government and community come together,” said Ray Barlow, AON Inc. vice president.

@ptbo_canada AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care has hit its first milestone, celebrating its one-year anniversary in Havelock on Sept, 15, 2026. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #aoninc ♬ suara asli - MI FISABILILLAH

Construction began on Aug. 9, 2023. The project was to be completed by September this year but it was completed within its budget and ahead of schedule in the summer.

It features dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces, accommodating 128 beds.

The long-term care home was part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028, along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province.

The site is approximately 86,355 sq. ft. and is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. in Havelock. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb. 17, 2022.

The event concluded with a barbecue for residents, staff and guests.

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Landon Roulston Brings Size, Skill and a Lot of Excitement for Fans

By Scott Arnold

Just 16 years old and entering his first OHL season, Landon Roulston has already given Petes fans plenty of reason to be excited about what he can bring to the lineup.

After the PEterborough PEtes selected him 13th overall in the first-round of the ohl entry draft, landon roulston put up five points in four exhibition games ahead of his first season (photo by scott arnold)

The Peterborough Petes selected Roulston 13th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, and the St. Catharines native has wasted little time making his presence felt.

Roulston scored four goals and added an assist in four preseason games, giving him five points in his first taste of OHL exhibition action.

The 6-foot-1, 188-pound centre also brings plenty of size for a player who won't turn 17 until March, and he's looking to use whatever tools the Petes need from him.

“Just whatever the team needs, whatever the coaches want out of me is what I’m going to try and bring to the table.”

Roulston spent the summer preparing for his first season away from home, with much of his focus on getting better every day.

“Mostly it was really strict this summer for me. I just wanted to get better every day.”

There was also plenty of time for family before making the move to Peterborough for the season, including movie nights and time on the couch.

“It’s going to be a big year and it’s obviously first time away from home. So we definitely soaked it in.”

The transition to Peterborough has gone smoothly so far, with Roulston joining a billet household that includes two other Petes players.

“It’s been really good. We have two other players in with me and it’s been really fun so far. I’m really enjoying it.”

Roulston also already has an appreciation for the history surrounding the Petes. Walking around the Memorial Centre and seeing the photos and other reminders of the franchise's past has given the rookie a glimpse of what he hopes his own future in Peterborough can look like.

“I remember like we’ve been warming up around here and I’ve just been kind of looking at all the pictures and just knowing that that’s going to be this team one day and it’s I think it’s really cool.”

And while the preseason numbers have certainly been encouraging, Roulston knows there is a bigger goal for the Petes this season.

“Yeah, for sure. That’s what we’re looking to do this year. It’s win or nothing. That’s what we want to do. We want to win a championship.”

For now, Roulston is simply looking forward to experiencing the Memorial Centre with the lights on and the fans in the building.

“I knew about the PMC. I just knew about the fans and how loud it can get. So we’re really excited.”

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Hit-and-Run Suspect Driving Vehicle Sought After Striking Pedestrian Walking On the Sidewalk

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking a suspect after a hit-and-run incident in which a pedestrian walking on a sidewalk was struck by a vehicle on Sunday.

Screenshot.

At roughly 4:33 p.m., the suspect vehicle was travelling northbound on Monaghan Road, just south of Sherbrooke Street. The vehicle left the roadway, drove onto the sidewalk and struck a pedestrian from behind. The vehicle then returned to the roadway and continued northbound on Monaghan Road without stopping. 

The vehicle appears to be a dark-coloured SUV and may have sustained some damage to the front passenger-side light or grille. 

The 23-year-old pedestrian suffered minor injuries as a result of this collision. 

Police say there is no known connection between the pedestrian and the vehicle. Police also believe the suspect vehicle continued northbound on Monaghan Road to Parkhill Road, where it turned west on Parkhill Road.

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Police Service is seeking a suspect after a hit-and-run incident in which a pedestrian walking on a sidewalk was struck by a vehicle on Sunday. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #crime ♬ Tension - Shinjey Kurama

Anyone with dashcam or residential cameras along this route is encouraged to contact the Traffic Unit at 705-876-1122 x289 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit www.stopcrimehere.ca.

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Downtown Peterborough Restaurant The Vine Reopens Its Doors After A Difficult Few Months

By Scott Arnold

After a challenging few months, The Vine is back open and ready to welcome the Peterborough community through its doors once again.

The Vine owners Lauren Mortlock and Tyrone Flowers are back at the restaurant after a difficult few months, with the local business reopening with a ribbon cutton ceremony on Tuesday, September 15th. Also pictured are DBia Executive director Nour Mazloum and dbia programs manager connor english (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The local pescetarian restaurant held its grand reopening Tuesday, September 15th, marking the return of owners Lauren Mortlock and Tyrone Flowers to the restaurant they have built into much more than a place to grab a meal.

“We're very excited to be back,” Mortlock told those gathered for the reopening. “It's been a long, tough few months. We're still not out of the woods, but we are very excited to be back at it because we missed all of your beautiful faces.”

Flowers also took a moment to thank the community that has supported the couple through the difficult stretch.

“More than anything, just thank you all,” he said. “Thanks for coming. Thanks for standing by us. Thanks for remembering us.”

Lauren Mortlock and Tyrone Flowers welcomed the community back to The Vine during Tuesday’s grand reopening, with the restaurant now open Tuesday through Friday by reservation. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The Vine had significantly scaled back its operations in April after Flowers began experiencing serious and unexplained health issues, including debilitating migraines, fainting spells and confusion during service.

At the time, Mortlock launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the couple get through the period while Flowers underwent testing and worked toward recovery. The campaign has since raised more than $13,000.

The couple's return is especially meaningful given how much The Vine has given back to the community over the years, including free community meals, fundraising efforts for local causes and other initiatives.

And they are already hoping to bring one of those traditions back.

Mortlock said the restaurant would like to resume its weekly community meal on Mondays, as it did before the health issues forced them to scale back.

“We will need donations to roll in before we start offering that again,” she said. “But then we'd love to start issuing a meal every Monday like we were doing before.”

For now, The Vine is easing back into regular operations.

The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, by reservation only, to start. Customers can also call ahead to place takeout orders.

After months away, Mortlock and Flowers are back behind the counter, and perhaps just as importantly, back in the community they have worked so hard to serve.

“Welcome back,” Mortlock said at the end of Tuesday's reopening.

For The Vine, it is a welcome that goes both ways.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Nearly 150-Year-Old Former West Ward School Gets Heritage Designation

By Scott Arnold

A building that once served Peterborough’s growing west side in the late 1800s has now been officially recognized as a heritage property.

483 Park St. N. is pictured in 2026, nearly 150 years after the building was constructed as the West Ward School. (photo by scott arnold)

Peterborough City Council has approved the designation of 483 Park St. N. under the Ontario Heritage Act, following a recommendation from the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.

The property was built around 1878 as the West Ward School, responding to the city’s growing population and the expansion of neighbourhoods to the west.

The former school is considered an excellent example of late nineteenth-century Italianate-style educational architecture and remains part of the residential character of Peterborough’s historic Old West End.

The former West Ward School is pictured in 1878, shortly after the building was constructed in the Italianate style.

The property also has a connection to local carpenter Cole Barrett, who built the school and served as its caretaker until it closed.

The designation recognizes the building’s connection to the history of public education in Peterborough, as well as its architectural and neighbourhood significance.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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United Kingdom-Born Forward Joins Peterborough Petes On OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed United Kingdom forward Jack Clarke to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

“I’m looking forward to playing for such a prestigious organization and playing in front of our amazing fans,” said Clarke. “I believe that this group of boys can do something special and I can’t wait to get started.”

The Milton Keynes, UK native was originally selected by the Erie Otters in the third round, 47th overall, of the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection. He played 19 games for the Otters in 2024-25 before spending most of the past two seasons in the GOHL. In 2025-26, Clarke played for the St. Marys Lincolns, scoring 10 goals and adding 14 assists for 24 points. He had another seven points in 23 playoff games, helping the Lincolns reach the Sutherland Cup final.

“Jack is a big, physical forward who is tough to play against,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He loves to battle and will do anything to help the team win. He’s a solid addition to our forward group.”

The Petes kick off their 2026 OHL season at home on Thursday to they host the Kingston Frontenacs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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What Happens Behind the Curtain? Peterborough Theatre Guild Opening Its Doors for AGM

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Theatre Guild is inviting members of the community to get a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes at its Annual General Meeting.

The peterborough theatre guild is inviting the public to attend their annual general meeting on september 29th (photo provided by ptg)

The AGM takes place Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30pm in the Gwen Brown Studio at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The evening will include an update on the Guild’s past year, including its productions and programming, as well as the work that goes into keeping the theatre operating.

It will also offer a look at what’s ahead for the Guild and recognize the many people who contribute as performers, volunteers, supporters and members.

Everyone is welcome, including those who are simply curious about the Theatre Guild and what happens behind the curtain. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

An RSVP is requested ahead of the meeting which can be done online.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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